ames DeWalt, president and CEO of Associated Industries (A.I.), knows what businesses need to be successful. Under DeWalt’s leadership, A.I. has grown from just under 400 member firms in Washington and Idaho to approximately 650. Located in Spokane, A.I. has been offering its member organizations services such as health benefit plans, human resources outsourcing, training, payroll assistance and legal services for 100 years. DeWalt, who graduated from Eastern in 1973 with a BA in government, also understands the contribution that well-educated employees make to an organization’s success. The Associated Industries Bright Promise Program was created in 2008, to ensure that Inland Northwest companies are able to continue to attract top talent. The scholarship program focuses on health sciences, business, technology and manufacturing technology. So far, 64 scholarships have been awarded to support Community College of Spokane students transferring to EWU. The award covers approximately half of a student’s annual tuition. A.I., in collaboration with United Healthcare and Wells Fargo Insurance Services, awarded 25 scholarships for the 2010-11 academic year. These recipients are pursuing course work in a number of areas, including applied technology, occupational therapy, visual communication design, accounting and agricultural business.
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DeWalt took the opportunity to address the scholarship recipients at this year’s reception, “The A.I. Bright Promise Program is designed to provide an economic investment in our region and our most valuable resource – our people,” he said. “You should feel very proud to be a recipient of one of these scholarships. You were chosen out of hundreds of candidates because the selection committee believes in you and sees your potential.” Ariel Dykstra, an EWU senior majoring in business and marketing education, is one of this year’s scholarship recipients. After graduating, she plans to teach career and technical education at the secondary level. “This scholarship has really helped me put my financial fears aside when deciding whether I can afford to come to school this year,” said Dykstra. “I am very grateful that the selection committee chose me to receive this scholarship and has given me the opportunity to continue my education.” For information on how you can help support Bright Promise Scholars, please contact College Advancement Director Dave LejaMeyer, dlejameyer@ewu.edu, 509.359.6901. For information about the A.I. Bright Promise Program scholarship, contact the EWU Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, 509.359.2314.